Latvian parliament grants citizenship to Ukrainian canoeist

Latvia’s parliament voted on Thursday to grant citizenship to Ukrainian canoeist Danilo Michuds, who wants to represent Latvia professionally, including at the Olympic Games, LSM reported.

Michuds has lived in Latvia since 2022, when he arrived at the age of 17 after Russia’s war in Ukraine began. He trains at a sports school in Limbaži municipality.

In 2025, he placed 12th in the 500-metre event at the European Under-23 Championships, 33rd in the 1,000 metres at the World Under-23 Championships and 29th in the 1,000 metres at a World Cup event. He has also competed at European and world championships and won medals at Latvian championships.

The Latvian Canoe Federation and Latvian Olympic Committee supported granting him citizenship, citing his sporting potential and the possibility that he could represent Latvia at international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Michuds will retain his Ukrainian citizenship.